"It's very unlikely" - Burnley FC: Pundit issues Josh Brownhill transfer claim as Italian duo look to swoop | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has been speaking exclusively to Football League World about the Clarets' chances of keeping hold of the midfielder.

Carlton Palmer has told Burnley FC that they must break the bank to keep Josh Brownhill at Turf Moor beyond the current campaign.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and clubs are already circling the Clarets in a bid to take the midfielder off their hands either in the summer, or as early as January.

Serie A duo Fiorentina and Lazio are said to have made contract offers to Brownhill, as per TBR Football, whilst Old Firm pair Celtic and Rangers are also sniffing around, but there will be a great desire from Scott Parker to ensure that his captain does not leave Turf Moor prematurely.

There will also be hopes that Burnley can work a deal to secure his services past the conclusion of 2024/25, with the Lancashire club well in the fight for an instant return to the Premier League.

Carlton Palmer issues verdict on Burnley's chances of keeping Josh Brownhill

The saga surrounding Brownhill's future has been an underlying factor in the Clarets' season, and with the January transfer window opening on 1 January, there is the knowledge that the midfielder could sign elsewhere for the 2025/26 campaign.

It's hugely frustrating for Burnley to still be in this position, and they will be hoping that talks can continue in the coming weeks and months, as there is still an outside chance that he remains at Turf Moor.

Former England and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, Palmer, has spoken exclusively to Football League World about the Clarets' chances of securing the future of Brownhill.

Palmer told FLW: "Rangers and Celtic are two of the clubs are interested in signing Burnley’s Josh Brownhill on a free transfer. West Ham, Crystal Palace and Leeds are all keen, and there is also interest from clubs abroad.

"It's a really difficult one. Josh is having a fantastic season so far, he's still only 29 years of age. He's having a great season for Burnley. This season he's contributed nine goals and three assists in 20 appearances.

"It's remarkable to see how it's been allowed to get to this point, given the interest that's come his way with Crystal Palace, Leeds United, West Ham.

"I mean, they're not going to sell him to a rival in the same division as them. The likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham United, and also the likes of two Serie A clubs, are reportedly interested.

"Lazio are believed to have already contacted Burnley about his services. Rangers and Celtic are also interested in him. So, I think it's very, very unlikely that he's going to sign a new contract at Burnley given the interest that's mounting in him."

Palmer added: "It’s just a case of what Burnley do.

"Their priority is to get to the Premier League. I suppose it depends on what they think they can get for Josh if they sell him in the January transfer window, but with his contract running down, they're not going to get that much because everybody's going to sit there and say he's going to be available on a free.

"So do Burnley say we're going to keep him and let him go for free in the summer, and we'll try and get back to the Premier League? I think it's very unlikely that he's going to sign a new contract for Burnley unless they break the bank for him now, given that he’s in the position that he's in.

"In a few weeks’ time, he'll be able to negotiate and sign a pre-contract. So, I think it’s going to be very, very difficult now for Burnley to secure his services."

Burnley may have to start looking for a Josh Brownhill replacement

While there will still be work going on in the background to keep Brownhill at the club, Burnley might already be looking elsewhere for a permanent replacement for their captain.

It will not be an easy task, however. His experience in the Championship has proven vital in the past, and he has already shown just how valuable he is to the team throughout this season. The 29-year-old has been excellent, and his goalscoring prowess has been incredibly important to the Clarets' early-season success.

Losing him to a rival, such as Leeds, will be incredibly tough to take, and it's crucial that Parker identifies a player to come in and take his place in a seamless transition if he is to leave.

At his age, he is in the prime of his career, and he will be useful for the next couple of years. But, there is room for improvement, and Burnley may turn to a younger option to carry them onward in the future.